SDG 9 - INDUSTRY INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DOST - UDD iHub Launched, Marking First Innovation Hub in Pangasinan
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Universidad de Dagupan (UDD) officially launched the ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐งโ๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐ฏ (๐ถ๐๐๐ฏ) today, making it the ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ต๐๐ฏ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป. The milestone initiative aims to strengthen research, technology development, and innovation support in the region. The ceremony was attended by key officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) National Office headed by the Department Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. Also present were DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang; DOST Ilocos Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog; DOST Pangasinan Provincial Director Arnold C. Santos.
From Universidad de Dagupan, present were Chairman and Founder Dr. Voltaire P. Arzadon; Co-founder and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees Dr. Loreta C. Arzadon; University President Dr. Feliza Arzadon Sua; Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Justin Frances Q. Callesto; ISUdD Assistant School Director Niki Sua Arzadon Sua; along with University directors, academic heads, and student leaders. In his inspirational message, Dr. Solidum expressed optimism, saying, โMay this iHub continue to support curiosity, fuel creativity, and transform visions into reality.โ City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing innovation. โLet us continue working together, sharing expertise and believing in the power of innovation. The future of Dagupan will be shaped by bold ideas, strong partnerships and the courage to learn Science and Innovation,โ she said. Meanwhile, UDD President Dr. Feliza Arzadon-Sua emphasized the universityโs commitment to national development through science and technology. โThe establishment of the DOSTโUDD iHUB strengthens Universidad de Dagupanโs role in nation-building and in nurturing future scientists, engineers, innovators, and technopreneurs.
It also reflects our continuing support for science and technology as we work toward becoming a Center of Excellence in Innovation,โ she noted. The launch signals a major step forward for Dagupan City and the wider Pangasinan community, positioning the province as an emerging center for research-driven innovation and technopreneurship.